Exclusive Hackett: Norwich City ace handed ‘inadequate punishment’ after FA decision.

Keith Hackett believes Borja Sainz, who admitted to spitting at a Sunderland player last month, should have received a larger sanction.

The ex-PGMOL chief and former FIFA official confirmed to Football Insider that the length of Sainz’s suspension for the incident was correct. Last week, it was revealed that the Canaries’ star had been punished by the FA with spitting at an opponent during his team’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland on December 21, 2018. The Norwich man’s sentence for that act has now been revealed, leaving Hackett with mixed feelings.

Keith Hackett reacts as Borja Sainz hit with Norwich City suspension

The FA stated in a statement issued on Friday (10 January) that Sainz has admitted to the accusation of spitting levelled against him. As a result, the attacker will be suspended for the next six Norwich games and fined £12,000. While Hackett believes the suspension is acceptable in length, he believes the fine levied against the Spaniard should have been higher given the salary paid to players today. Speaking to Football Insider regarding Sainz’s punishment, the former referee stated:”The Laws of the Game define spitting at an opponent as an act of violent conduct. Absolutely terrible. “While a six-game ban looks to be the appropriate level of punishment, given the fees that players command, I believe the £12,000 fine is insufficient given the lack of respect for a professional player, the risk of a potential health hazard, and the damage to the game’s brand. “I believe a month’s earnings would be more acceptable. I’m sure the Disciplinary Panel will have a matrix in front of them that outlines the level of penalty that can be imposed. “The player has of course a right of appeal.”

Sainz has been in excellent form for Norwich this season, scoring 15 goals in 26 Championship games, more than any other player in the division.